Unbound aims for 40 books in year one
Unbound, a publishing platform that allows readers to choose what is published, was devised as a response to the “difficulties of the existing publishing model”, with the programme aiming to get 35 to 40 projects off the ground in its first year.
Supported by Faber, the platform was created by “QI” writers John Mitchinson and John Pollard, and Crap Towns author Dan Kieran. Authors are required to pitch their idea to readers on the site, and have 50 days to attract support through readers pledging money to fund the publication of the work. If enough money is pledged, the work will be published, primarily as an e-book or “beautifully bound, limited edition hardback”, or both, with each pledger’s name inscribed in the back of the print edition.
Pledgers will also be able to access the author’s online “shed”, where they can track their progress on the work through blogs and video diaries. Rewards for pledgers depend on the level of support they have demonstrated, with a sliding scale from £10 to £250. Incentives include the pledger getting their name in the back of the special edition, to goodie bags and lunch with the author.
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The Bookseller